Leaders from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, left, listen to Maj. Gen. William L. Thigpen, right, the U.S. Army South commanding general, during Operation Alamo Shield Mission Prep II at the U.S. Army South Headquarters Sept. 1. Operation Alamo Shield Mission Prep is an Army South-led academics program that increases regional awareness, outlines and explains policy guidance, and highlights lessons learned from previous Security Force Assistance activities for rotating SFA teams. As the Joint Forces Land Component Command for U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army South serves as the higher headquarters for the Security Force Assistance teams in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, as they use their unique set of skills, experience and advanced technology to train and advise partner nations in the region.